not so ancient.

New Year's Eve was by far the biggest event of Seattle's annual party scene, and Mammoth--appropriately--was the biggest of them all. Streams of lights, high-beams flashing their location into the night sky, musicians and dancers and--this year--a smooth red carpet lined up outside the museum like the entry to a king's feast. A woman in sequins and feathers waved coyly from behind a massive peacock-tail fan; a pair of acrobats stood on hands and elbows near the door, contorting to wave with their feet. The performers were cordoned off, and at their edges stood the press, cameras flashing, microphones buzzing, as they pressed in as close as possible to photograph the people entering the ball. The guest list was motlier this year than in previous years: a woman, clearly high-society, in an elaborate Vera Wang, entered just behind a young man in a rented tux and hastily purchased domino mask. Anamitra Malik, representing the company, was wandering back and forth in front of the line of press in blue silk--"A Chantal, darlings; if you don't know her, you really ought"--occasionally pausing to warmly welcome this or that guest. She seemed to be familiar with not only the high-rollers, but some of the more mundane attendees as well.

Inside, the EMP had been transformed. The more portable exhibits had been put into storage to allow for wider walkways; impromptu bars had been set up at various points around the museum's three floors. The giant guitar statue was surrounded on all sides by a circular table, at which blackjack dealers entertained those willing to put down bets. Music came from all corners, a different theme on each floor, while the cafe was filled with plush new seating and lowlit tables, the quiet tinkling of jazz piano coming from within its smoky interior. Complimentary champagne and snacks were going around on trays held up by smart-looking waiters and waitresses, though guests could find harder liquor at the bars in the upper tiers.

A large television screen had been rigged on the upper tier, against a far wall so it could be visible from below. Three hours to midnight.

[open to all!]